In class on Thursday (2.9) we talked about how people that
live in the lie come to realize that they have human dignity, that they have
self-respect, are proud of their individuality, and then come to live in the
truth. I think there is also another way to look at it. It seems probable to me
that many people that are living the lie feel that self-respect is keeping
yourself alive. So even though they know they are living in the lie, they
continue to live in it to stay alive and have a decent life, and also protect
their family from being mistreated by the government.
No doubt about this! But "living a decent life" and protecting oneself from the state and the secret police, if taken alone, doesn't make one free. Is it possible to conform outwardly and dissent inwardly? In the Sufi tradition, this was known as "dissimulation" and was an honorable way of practicing Sufism (and surviving in places and times when Sufis were perseduted).
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is possible to conform outwardly and dissent inwardly - it's what we see Danny do throughout all of The Miracle Game. But that doesn't mean he is living in the truth.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the first part was unclear - I am not claiming that those who choose to continue to live in the lie for self-preservation reasons are living in the truth. I am just trying to say that self-respect doesn't only apply to those living in the truth.